Rude announces state funding victory for Aspen Gardens and US 12 improvements

OLYMPIA – Rep. Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla, announced this week that despite a challenging 2026 legislative session marked by significant fiscal hurdles, several key projects for the Walla Walla Valley have successfully secured state backing.

The funding wins come at a time when the Washington Legislature has been forced to make difficult choices regarding the state budget. However, Rude highlighted two specific victories that he says will provide long-term benefits to the region’s infrastructure and most vulnerable residents.

A primary achievement for the district is the procurement of $258,000 in capital funding for the Aspen Gardens project. The allocation is earmarked for the design, development, and construction documents phase of the initiative.

Once completed, Aspen Gardens will serve as a community-based housing project, located on a donated 1.6-acre parcel, just off Aspen Street, south of the Mill Creek Sportsplex. The project will feature 14 small homes that can accommodate up to 40 people and is designed to provide long-term stability for adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Artist rendering of Aspen Gardens

On the transportation front, Rude noted that local lawmakers successfully fought to maintain the status quo for Highway 12. While transportation investments faced deep cuts across much of the state, legislators were able to preserve last year’s funding levels for the highway. No new funding was provided.

The funding for the corridor improvements is $216,208,000, with an additional $836,000 for a bridge replacement on Highway 12.

---

• 
• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 
• 

---

Elkhorn Media Group